Genetics

Genetics Testing
 Genetics testing is sometimes suggested if - One of your blood relatives has received a genetic test that shows a faulty gene Three relatives on the same side of your family in at least two generations have been diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer Two relatives on the same side in two or more generations have breast or ovarian cancer, one has been diagnosed with at least one of the following: breast cancer before age 40 breast cancer in a male both breast and ovarian cancer cancer in both breasts. The BRCA1 and BRCA2 Genes There are two known cancer protection genes that prevent the development of breast and ovarian cancers. They are BRCA1 and BRCA2. Everyone is born with two copies of them. Some people are born with a faulty copy of one of those genes. A woman who inherets the faulty gene has an increased risk of developing cancer. There are two types of tests currently available- Mutation search genetic test This test is for a family member who has already had breast and/or ovarian cancer. A blood test that searches for the faulty genes. Predictive genetic test If a mutation search identifies the faulty gene in the family, other family members may be offered the blood test to search for the genes. Possible test results for a mutation search: 1.Inconclusive Inconclusive result means a faulty gene was not found. Many families receive this result. However, there might still be a faulty gene in the family , one that hasn't been discovered yet. This was my result. At the time of my testing I thought that either I would have the faulty gene or I wouldn't. I wasn't aware that I could only get this result or the positive result. After receiving my inconclusive result I was told that I should have both my breasts removed because there could be another gene that I am carrying that can't yet be tested for. I felt that I had been forced into having the test in the first place, due to my radiotherapy being cancelled until after I had the genetics test, and I also felt that it had all been for nothing because if I had tested positive I would have been told the same thing - remove my breasts. The inconclusive result also means that none of my family members can have the predictive test. 2.A faulty gene was found. If you receive this result you have an increased chance of developing more than one cancer. Other relatives will be offered a predictive test to find out if they also have the faulty gene.